Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization: Soft Tissue Manual Tool Level 1 Certification (STMT-1)

16 TOTAL HOURS: 3 Online Self-Study + 13 Live Hours = The MMIM Level 1 Soft Tissue Manual Tool Certification

***Tools and tape will be provided for use/practice at the seminar***

Highlights

• Universal techniques that can be used with the majority of tools
• Multiple IASTM Tool options provided at the seminar for practice
• Utilize biomechanics and neuroscience to develop evidence-informed treatment strategies
• Lab based seminar with hands-on coursework throughout both days
• Learn how to combine IASTM with Corrective Exercise and Kinesiology Tape

Description

Introducing the Soft Tissue Manual Tool (STMT) series, the Medical Minds in Motion Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) Certification. In today’s rehabilitation environment, knowing how to safely and effectively utilize IASTM tools is essential. With so many IASTM tool options available in the market, wading through the sea of choices in order to find the tool that will work best for you is daunting. Our certification program is unique, as it provides hands-on experience with multiple tool options in order to allow you to choose which tool or set of tools is the best fit for you. The certification consists of 3 hours of on-line content, which is a prerequisite to the 13-hour live hands-on lab course. The online portion takes an in-depth look at the history and physiology of IASTM, Movement principles and Kinesiology taping, as well as fundamentals of each technique in order to develop a foundational understanding to prepare you for the live course.

Taking a best practice approach, the STMT certification utilizes universal assessment and treatment strategies that can be applied with many IASTM tools. During the 13-hour hands on lab portion, you will develop a clear understanding of the mechanical principles of increased tissue perfusion, the localized inflammatory response and speed of tissue healing. A strong emphasis will be placed on the neurophysiological principles of “less is more”, decreasing tone, decreasing threat and stimulation of mechanoreceptors to assist with improving movement. In addition, you will explore and discuss various corrective exercises and kinesiology taping strategies for continued positive outcomes provided by IASTM. Extensive practice during the live portion will allow you to develop a knowledge base for clinical decision making and implementation. Emphasizing cervical mobility, shoulder mobility, thoracic rotation, spinal flexion, knee flexion and many more, you will develop dynamic treatment options to progress your patients to the ultimate goal of functional movement with lasting outcomes.

Certification Requirements

1. Complete both the 3 Hour pre-course online content and the 13 Hour live hands-on component
2. Successfully pass online Certification test with an 80% score
3. Successfully complete a safety and skill exam administered by the course instructor

* This course is a certification course. Individuals who successfully complete all required elements of the course will be certified as a Level 1 STMT-1 Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization practitioner.

Objectives

1. Demonstrate safe techniques for implementing IASTM with multiple populations.
2. Utilize movement assessments to determine appropriate soft tissue limitations appropriate for IASTM.
3. Explain the rationale behind IASTM by comparing mechanical vs neurological responses using the most current literature.
4. Implement IASTM into a comprehensive treatment program for optimal patient outcomes.
5. Discuss the rationale for patient positioning and when to treat the targeted tissues loaded vs unloaded and active vs. passive.
6. Differentiate appropriate taping methods based on a patient’s injury, dysfunction, and/or limited function.
7. Demonstrate competent rationale for IASTM treatment progressions by combining clear assessments with an EBP approach to care.
8. Complete a skill check off/rubric at the end of the seminar demonstrating safety and competency with an assessment, tool technique, taping strategy and an appropriate corrective exercise.

Course Outline

Online Pre-Requisite Content

1- Introduction and History of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (30 minutes)

1. Where it came from and where it’s going
2. Historical progression from aggressive to less is more
3. Effects of Manual Therapy on movement and tissue quality

2- Physiological Responses of IASTM (30 minutes)

1. Lit Review: mechanical responses
2. Lit Review: neurological responses

3- Tool Options (15 minutes)

1. Used in This course: The Edge, Smart Tools, Rock Blades, Reflex hammer
2. Other options available for use

4- Safety (15 minutes)

1. Precautions and Contraindications
2. Tool Hygiene

5- Fundamentals of IASTM (30 minutes)

1. Types of Strokes and rationale
2. Methods of Application
3. Active vs Passive Techniques
4. Loaded vs Unloaded Techniques

6- Fundamentals of Kinesiology Taping (30 minutes

1. History, Philosophy and Background
2. Lit Review: What tape can and cannot do
3. Precautions and Contraindications
4. Taping for Pain, Swelling and Proprioception

7- Principles of Movement Assessments and Corrective Exercise Strategies (30 minutes)

1. Using movement assessments to drive tool techniques
2. Determining the cause of dysfunction
3. Corrective Exercise to load new mobility

LIVE Course Content: 13 Hours

All Labs Will Include:

• Components of Passive Vs Active Treatments and appropriate progressions
• Components of Unload Vs Loaded treatments and appropriate progressions
• Various Grips and practitioner body mechanics
• Various techniques using multiple different tool options
• Case Studies

DAY ONE:

1- Review of Online Content (8-8:30)

1. 10 Key Points
2. Questions/Discussion

2- Cervical Spine Techniques (8:30-9:30)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Upper Trapezius
   2. Levator Scap
   3. Cervical Paraspinals
   4. CT Junction
3. Taping Strategies

3- TMJ Techniques (9:30-10:15)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
3. Masseter
4. Taping Strategies

BREAK: 15 minutes

4- Anterior Shoulder Girdle Techniques (10:30-11:30)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Pectorals
   2. Anterior Deltoid
   3. Biceps
   4. Junctional Zones
   5. Lateral Deltoid
3. Taping Strategies

LUNCH 11:30-12:30

5- Posterior Shoulder Girdle Techniques (12:30-1:30)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Infraspinatus
   2. Teres Major/Minor
   3. Posterior Deltoid
   4. Triceps
   5. Junctional Zones
3. Taping Strategies

6- Elbow Techniques (1:30-2:30)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Improving Elbow Flexion
   2. Improving Elbow Extension
   3. Taping Strategies

BREAK: 15 Minutes

7- Forearm/Wrist/Hand Techniques (2:45-3:45)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Common Extensor
   2. Common Flexor
   3. Carpal Tunnel
   4. Thumb/CMC
   5. Junctional Zones
   6. Improving Supination/pronation
3. Taping Strategies

8- Tying Day 1 Together (3:45-4:00)

1. Billing/Coding
2. Documentation
3. Review/Questions/Discussion

DAY TWO:

1- Hip techniques (8:00-9:00)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Lateral Hip: ITB/TFL
   2. Adductors
   3. Psoas/Rectus Femoris
3. Taping Strategy

2- Knee Techniques (9:00-10:00)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Quads: Improving Knee Flexion
   2. HS: Improving Knee Extension
   3. Patellar Mobility
   4. Patellar Tendonitis Protocol
3. Taping Strategies

BREAK: 15 Minutes

3- Lower Leg/Ankle Techniques (10:15-11:15)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Gastroc/Soleus
   2. Anterior Tibialis
   3. Peroneals
   4. Posterior Tibialis
3. Taping Strategies

4- Foot Techniques (11:15-12:00)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Plantar Fascia
   2. Great Toe/FHL
3. Taping Strategies

LUNCH 12:00-1:00

5- Thoracic Spine Techniques (1:00-1:45)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Thoracic Paraspinals
   2. Latissimus Dorsi
   3. Intercostal
   4. Diaphragm

6- Lumbar Spine Techniques (1:45-2:30)

1. Assessments
2. Demonstration and Lab Practice
   1. Lumbar Paraspinals
   2. Quadratus Lumborum
   3. SIJ
   4. Thoraco-Lumbar Fascia

BREAK: 15 Minutes

7- Final Lab Practice/Review/Practical Exam (2:45-3:45)

1. Review of Methodology
2. Lab Practice
3. Skills Check/Lab Examination

8- Wrap-Up (3:45-4:00)

1. Questions/Answers